Student Voting Guide

Registering to Vote

Registering is a very easy process, and there is a convenient method for everyone to register. The easiest way to register (recommended) is by visiting the Rock the Vote registration widget. Simply follow the directions and make sure you enter all of your information correctly. After you have completed the application, you must print and sign the form and mail it to the address printed on the registration form.

To be eligible to vote you must:

be 18 years or older

be a U.S Citizen

have lived in your election precinct for at least 30 days before election day

registering in person at the Board of Election Commissioners for the City of Chicago:69 W. Washington St. Suite 600, Sixth Floor Chicago, Illinois 60602

Contacting any Secretary of State's office where driver's licenses and state IDs are issued.

Cook County (non Chicago residents)

If you are a Cook County resident, but not a resident of Chicago, you may register to vote by completing a voter registration application which can be obtained at the Cook County Clerk’s Office or by mail. Call (312) 603-0906 to request an application.

First-time voters who register by mail no longer have to vote in person the first time they vote. They can either vote in person or vote absentee by mail.

**The above information was obtained from the website of David Orr | Cook County Clerk

Other U.S States

The most centralized internet resource to register in all 50 states is: http://www.rockthevote.comRock the Vote website also has an amazing map where you can select your state and:

Register to Vote

Find election information and deadlines for registrations, early voting, and request absentee ballots

You can find your nearest polling place using your address

Find information on what proof of ID your state may require

Research ballot information (what is going on in your state legislature)

Sign up to receive automated reminders to get you out to VOTE!

Voting on Election Day

After you have successfully registered to vote, you should receive a letter in the mail from the Board of Elections containing your voter registration card. The time frame for this process, however, varies from state to state. If you do not receive any information after two weeks, it is important that you contact your Secretary of State’s Office (for the state that you are registered to vote) in order to confirm your registration.